Latest news with #WDC
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Western Digital's Q4 Earnings Ahead: Key Trends Investors Should Watch
Western Digital Corporation ( WDC ) is slated to release fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on July 30, after the closing bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has remained unchanged over the past 60 days at $1.47, suggesting a growth of 2% from the prior-year quarter. Management projects non-GAAP earnings of $1.45 (+/- 20 cents). The consensus estimate for revenues is currently pegged at $2.45 billion, suggesting a 34.8% decline from the prior-year quarter's figure. The company expects non-GAAP revenues of $2.45 billion (+/- $150 million). The company's earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 7.3%. Shares of WDC have gained 3.6% over the past year against a 12.6% decline in the Zacks Computer-Storage Devices industry. Primary Catalysts & Risks for WDC's Q4 Earnings Western Digital's fiscal fourth-quarter performance is likely to have benefited from continued strong demand from cloud service providers, fueling nearline HDD and NAND capacity purchases. In the fiscal third quarter, cloud accounted for 87% of total revenues, reaching $2 billion, up 38% year over year. Broad investments from hyperscale cloud/data center customers remain a tailwind. Its 11-disk drives, offering up to 26TB (CMR) and 32TB (Ultra SMR), are rapidly ramping up, with more than 800,000 units shipped in the fiscal third quarter, and more than 1 million expected for the June quarter. Management is working closely on HAMR technology with two hyperscale customers and continues to receive positive and encouraging feedback on its drives. Long-term agreements are now in place with two major customers through mid-2026. Considering these factors, WDC anticipates sequential revenue growth in the fiscal fourth quarter, driven by strong data center demand. Management expects the rise of generative AI-driven storage deployments to lead to a client and consumer device refresh cycle and increase content growth in smartphones, gaming, PCs and consumer devices over the long term. Growing AI adoption is likely to boost storage demand across both HDD and Flash at the edge and core, creating many business opportunities. To expand its Flash business further, the company has established a separate entity, Sandisk. However, the ongoing macroeconomic volatility and uncertainty caused by the damaging impact of levying tariffs and escalating global trade conflicts are likely to weigh on its performance in the to-be-reported quarter by creating further cloud demand fluctuations in areas such as the enterprise segment and parts of its distribution and retail business. To address these changing macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, Western Digital has outlined strategies. In the short term, it has assembled cross-functional teams to minimize disruptions and reduce the impact of tariffs on customers and operations. At the same time, management is adopting a disciplined approach by evaluating the long-term effects of supply chain adjustments to stay agile, resilient and prepared for the future. Despite broader uncertainties, demand from hyperscale customers remains strong amid a constrained supply situation. Also, rising expenditures are likely to weigh on its margins. For the fiscal fourth quarter, WDC expects operating expenses to rise slightly sequentially to $330–$340 million due to higher variable pay, new hires post–flash business spinoff and more R&D investments. Key Recent Developments In May 2025, Western Digital drove a new era of storage innovation by advancing infrastructure solutions tailored for AI/ML, software-defined storage and disaggregated storage. With a focus on hyperscale cloud service providers, enterprises and Storage-as-a-Service vendors, the company's Platforms Business delivers both high-capacity JBODs (Just a Bunch of Disks) and high-performance EBOF (Ethernet Bunch of Flash) NVMe-oF solutions to power intensive data workloads. Western Digital teamed up with Ingrasys, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, to transform the way storage and networking are deployed at scale. The initiative aims to engineer a Top-of-Rack (TOR) Ethernet Bunch of Flash (EBOF) switch with embedded storage—a new frontier in fabric-attached, disaggregated infrastructure designed to meet the surging data demands of AI and high-performance workloads. Western Digital boosted shareholder value by launching a new $2 billion share buyback program in May, highlighting its strong capital allocation strategy focused on long-term returns for investors. WDC's Earnings Whispers Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Western Digital this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. This is not the case here. Western Digital presently has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Stocks With the Favorable Combination Here are three stocks you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right elements to post an earnings beat in this reporting cycle. Emerson Electric Co. ( EMR ), expected to release earnings on Aug. 6, currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.46% and a Zacks Rank of 3. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The consensus estimate for Emerson Electric's earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 is pegged at $1.51 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 5.6%. EMR has a trailing four-quarter average surprise of 3.4%. Illinois Tool Works Inc. ( ITW ), slated to release second-quarter 2025 results on July 30, has an Earnings ESP of +1.19% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Illinois Tool Works' second-quarter 2025 earnings is pegged at $2.56 per share, suggesting a year-over-year rise of 0.8%. ITW has a trailing four-quarter average surprise of 3%. QUALCOMM Incorporated ( QCOM ) has an Earnings ESP of +0.60% and a Zacks Rank #3. It is scheduled to report quarterly figures on July 30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for QCOM's to-be-reported quarter's earnings and revenues is pegged at $2.68 per share and $10.36 billion, respectively. QCOM has a trailing four-quarter average surprise of 6.4%. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%. Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW): Free Stock Analysis Report QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM): Free Stock Analysis Report Emerson Electric Co. (EMR): Free Stock Analysis Report Western Digital Corporation (WDC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Call to sort out unwarranted vehicles
Scores of potentially unsafe cars have been lining Oamaru roads on a daily basis and one resident says it was time action was taken over the number of clearly unwarranted and unlicensed vehicles parked around the town. "It is not uncommon to see upwards of 12 such vehicles parked along both sides of Regina Lane," he told the Oamaru Mail. "Some registrations are months out of date, but others have expired for over three years. In many cases, the WOF [warrant of fitness] stickers are so faded they're unreadable. "My main concern is the serious safety risk these neglected vehicles pose, especially around this busy end of town with lots of school children wandering to school. It is highly likely that some of these cars have not received even basic maintenance, such as brake checks or servicing for years. These vehicles are effectively unmonitored hazards being driven around our town. "Vehicles that are legally registered have valid WOFs, often at considerable personal expense, and are properly maintained. This is essential to ensure our vehicles are safe for public roads and do not pose a risk to other drivers or pedestrians. "I have contacted NZTA regarding this matter, but they have advised me that as this is a council-maintained road, enforcement falls under the responsibility of the local council." However, he discovered the issue has been further complicated by a past decision of the Waitaki District Council to not apply for the necessary delegated powers to issue stationary vehicle offence notices for expired WOF or expired vehicle registrations. "Some councils choose to apply to central government for this delegation and carry out enforcement for these offences," the man's official correspondence from WDC states. "The WDC elected members some time ago decided against this option. "The New Zealand Police have the authority to issue stationary vehicle offence notices. However it is my understanding that they choose not to and will only do so if it is part of a mobile stop. "I would suggest perhaps that you contact the local Oamaru police community constable. They may be able to provide some advice. However, it is my experience that they will refer you back to council." WDC regulatory manager Andrew Bardsley said the issue had not been revisited by elected members since the original delegation decision was made six years ago. "Registration of vehicles is a central government licensing and taxation requirement; WOF is a vehicle safety issue which is outside the enforcement capability of council. "Council has a bylaw that allows it to enforce 'parking' related issues, not vehicle safety or licensing non-compliance. Applying for this delegation would make us the enforcement, and revenue collection agency, for central government — but would require resourcing from the council. "Waitaki District Council is responsible for the safety of council roads, and enforcement of parking related issues. NZ Police are responsible for the safety and licensing of vehicles using the roads." Responding to the Oamaru Mail, southern police Waitaki response manager Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy said police dealt with unregistered and unwarranted vehicles when those offences were encountered as part of an officer's normal duties. "Police will deal with parking issues if available, depending on other deployment priorities. "Parking issues in general are referred to parking services in the first instance and if they cannot respond police will respond, depending on deployment priorities at the time. "Police and council regularly meet to discuss issues. Police have not been made aware of issues with unregistered and unwarranted vehicles." However, the resident who raised the issue fears the problem could be much bigger than just Regina Lane and suspects it is being put in "the too-hard basket". "Owners of these vehicles must be held accountable before someone is seriously injured or killed. "This is not exaggeration, but a genuine public safety concern. I urge the council to implement routine inspections and enforcement to target unregistered and unwarranted vehicles, not only on Regina Lane but across Oamaru and the wider district. "To see a high-profile warden or some sort of enforcement officer, visibly patrolling council-managed streets, would surely focus some minds and increase legally compliant vehicles on our roads. "Honest people pay, others get away with it for free and I'd say a good chance of never getting caught. How is that fair?" Nationwide data supplied by NZTA shows as of May, 429,386 light passenger vehicles (car or van) have a current registration but no warrant of fitness, 157,341 vehicles have a current warrant but no registration and another 169,559 vehicles have neither.
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Northland's biggest water services changes kick off in Whangārei
Whangārei could end up subsidising Kaipara and Far North water users in a move described as historic for Northland. Whangārei District Council (WDC) yesterday voted to set up a Northland-wide council-controlled organisation (CCO) as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well change requirements. The decision was a major milestone,
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Northland's biggest water services changes kick off in Whangārei
Whangārei's strength in provision of drinking water via plants such as this one at Whau Valley stands out regionally, where Kaipara and Far North face challenges for similar servicing. Photo: LDR / SUPPLIED Whangārei could end up subsidising Kaipara and Far North water users in a move described as historic for Northland. Whangārei District Council voted on July 24 to set up a Northland-wide council controlled organisation (CCO) as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well change requirements. Photo: The decision was a major milestone starting the ball rolling on massive changes to how drinking water and wastewater services are structured and delivered in the region. Council-owned assets - and debt- which provide drinking water and wastewater to about 100,000 WDC, Kaipara District Council (KDC) and Far North District Council (FNDC) consumers would be shifted into the CCO starting from July 2027. WDC councillors voted unanimously for the proposed regional CCO - based on major work by the three councils in recent weeks. That's in spite of the council being in a relatively strong water services position, in contrast to Kaipara and the Far North. A memorandum of understanding created by the three councils must still get the formal okay from KDC which will vote on it at its meeting in Mangawhai on Wednesday, and FNDC at its council meeting the following day. Whangārei Mayor and Northland water services working group chair Vince Cocurullo said the move toward a regional CCO for drinking water and wastewater was historic. "This is huge," Cocurullo said. He said initial principles were proposed for the regional CCO, including ring-fencing each council's drinking and wastewater financials . There would initially be no cross-subsidisation of water charges across the three council areas. The CCO would review those two things within three years from start-up. The mahi that led up to Friday's decision involved the three district councils working closely together. The inter-council working group of local politicians has met several times over the last month. Crown-appointed advisor David Hawkins was also part of the group. Hawkins, a former Papakura Mayor, was involved in putting Auckland's Watercare together. The group looked at what was best for Northland, rather than solely a district-by-district basis. WDC councillor and working group member Ken Couper said the regional proposal was a "cool mix" and "the elegant solution". Northland councils must submit a regional water services delivery plan to the government by September 3 under its Local Water Done Well goals. The plan would include seeking Government funding for critical Northland water services projects. But yesterday's decision allows for FNDC not to play ball in the region-wide CCO. The resulting scenario would then be a two-council - WDC and KDC - CCO. WDC council meeting agenda papers said this alternate two-council plan would help address Kaipara's water delivery challenges without adversely impacting Whangārei. The papers said under Local Water Done Well, WDC could continue to deliver water services through an in-house business unit. There were greater challenges for Kaipara particularly around growth, and in the Far North around compliance, delivery and affordability. The papers said a regional CCO was the most effective way of delivering safe, affordable and sustainable waters services for Northland. It balanced regional collaboration with local accountability and provided a platform for long-term resilience and improvement. Whangārei's cash reserves provided "early funding flexibility". The spike in capital spending would initially be driven by FNDC. KDC would follow and WDC after that. Cocurullo said the regional CCO proposal provided councils with off-ramps. He said the CCO acknowledged that Whangarei's water services position was stronger than that of the KDC and FNDC. WDC Infrastructure chair Cr Simon Reid said the move was a crucial step forward for the North. "Potable water and wastewater are the two most critical areas we need to focus on," Reid said. The new regional CCO proposal would allow for more borrowing than councils are able to do. It could borrow up to a 500 percent debt ceiling, contrasting with individual councils' 280 percent. Outside of Whangārei, Northland's water services delivery challenges include ageing infrastructure and compliance issues, particularly in the Far North, the need for significant investment to support population growth and renewing existing infrastructure and the high cost of capital spending needed in smaller communities. The new proposal would see a shareholder council set up with two representatives from each council with at least one of those being an elected councillor. Stormwater provision will stay with individual councils and not be part of the regional CCO under the proposal - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Global Dental Leaders to Convene in Shanghai for FDI World Dental Congress 2025
SHANGHAI, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The FDI World Dental Congress (WDC), one of the world's premier events for the oral health profession, will take place in Shanghai, China, from September 9–12, 2025, co-hosted by Chinese Stomatological Association and Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions. Organized annually in different countries, the WDC highlights the importance of oral health in securing overall health and well-being and serves as a driving force for international collaboration in dentistry. In recent years, visa-free policies have made China an increasingly popular destination for global travelers. This enhanced accessibility, coupled with Shanghai's global appeal, and FDI's established reputation as the leading global dental event, has already attracted over 10,000 congress delegates for the 2025 edition, with expectations of more than 35,000 professional attendees and visitors from 134 countries and regions. Attendees can look forward to a robust scientific program packed with insights from over 300 world-class speakers and interactive forums on key dental topics. Meanwhile, the FDI WDC 2025 Exhibition is set to be the largest in FDI history, featuring 700 selected exhibitors across 60,000 square meters. Leading global brands such as Haleon, Listerine, LION, and Colgate, along with hundreds of Chinese manufacturers and technology providers, will showcase the most advanced dental equipment and solutions. The exhibition will also spotlight achievements from hospitals and universities, innovations in AI-powered diagnostics, digital dentistry, and 3D printing, providing state-of-the-art solutions to participants. Additionally, the Congress promises exceptional networking opportunities through guided tours designed to connect researchers, clinicians, industry experts, and distributors, fostering partnerships that can advance oral health globally. A Social Program to Remember The social program accompanying WDC25 will provide attendees with a unique cultural experience. Highlights include the Opening Ceremony on September 9, and the Gala Dinner on September 10 invites guests to immerse themselves in Chinese heritage through live performances, regional cuisine, and an evening celebrating cultural elegance. Shanghai Night set for September 11, will be held along the iconic Bund, offering a memorable evening of live music, handcrafted cocktails, and stunning views of Shanghai's dynamic skyline. These events perfectly capture the city's vibrant "East-meets-West" charm and cultural essence. China's Emergence as a Dental Destination While the Congress takes center stage, China's rise as a key market for dentistry cannot be overlooked. Since 2006, China's dental sector has experienced unprecedented growth, outpacing most global markets. The sector's technological transformation has been equally impressive. Chinese dental practices have rapidly adopted cutting-edge solutions including fully digital workflows, fundamentally enhancing treatment accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort - setting new standards for dental care delivery. Driving Global Oral Health Forward The FDI World Dental Congress continues to set the benchmark for advancing oral health on the global stage. By uniting leaders from across the dental profession, WDC25 will showcase dentistry's most pressing innovations, address key health challenges, and foster greater collaboration to improve oral care around the world.
